New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Tom Latham emphasized his team’s “anywhere, anytime mentality” ahead of their ICC Champions Trophy semifinal matchup with South Africa. He stated that although the tournament schedule is beyond their control, their responsibility is to show up for their games no matter what, and their current focus is still on the Proteas.

After their journey to Dubai, New Zealand is prepared to take on whatever challenge the Champions Trophy may provide. They have been designed to travel and adapt to different pitches and circumstances, much like many other teams.

They were bogged last start thanks in part to the sluggish and low deck in Dubai. They failed to meet India’s target of 249 runs by 44 runs. Readjusting to Lahore conditions in time for their Wednesday semi-final matchup with the Proteas is the current problem.

Keeper Tom Latham was not in the mood to make excuses when he spoke to the media before to their match against South Africa, explaining his team’s “anywhere, anytime” approach.

He said, as cited by ICC, “(The scheduling) is something that is out of our control,” adding, “For us, it is about showing up to every game, no matter where it is, and trying to play our best brand of cricket as best we can.” Therefore, our attention will undoubtedly be on South Africa, whether it takes place here or in Pakistan.”

“I believe that throughout Pakistani games, we have seen that a little bit of juice sinks in towards the conclusion of the game and might sometimes be a little bit easier. We will have to wait and see what we receive, or what kind of surface it is, and go from there,” he said. “It could be a little bit better to bat on.”

In the Tri-series against Pakistan, which served as a lead-up event, New Zealand played South Africa at the same location in Lahore just before the Champions Trophy began. They chased down the Proteas’ total of 304 with eight balls remaining, defeating them by six wickets.

Latham also said that the Kiwis would undoubtedly use that experience.

“We are fortunate enough we had a Tri-series in Pakistan and against South Africa,” he said.
“It’s quite fantastic that we get the opportunity to reflect on those experiences and give it our all in a semi-final. It remains to be seen whether New Zealand’s defeat against India would negatively impact their confidence.

“They have won eight of their 10 ODIs played in 2025, which included winning the lean-up Tri-Series final against Pakistan,” he said.

Naturally, however, none of those games carried the same pressure and stakes as Wednesday’s meeting. They will face a South African squad that has previously advanced to two ICC finals in the last year: the ICC World Test Championship final against Australia in the middle of the year and the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final.

Latham went on to say, “They have been playing some fantastic cricket,”
“They have been playing very well under these circumstances, and they have several match winners on their team. We are aware that getting there (the final) requires a great deal of effort.

We are aware of South Africa’s might.
“In terms of batting, bowling, and fielding, they have everything covered. Considering that, I’m certain that the game will be amazing and that both sides are eagerly anticipating it,” he said.